[Hans]

I've noticed that the regular version vs the M-sport have a significant difference in height (and in clearance?) when they are visualised in the configurator.

What difference do you see?
The M50 is equipped with the adaptive suspension and is supposed to be 1 centimeter lower to the ground. But that may not be the same as ground clearance though.

 

[Hans]

40 (first photo) versus M50 (second photo)
The M50 is visibly 1 centimeter lower.

 

[Hans]

40 (first photo) versus 40 with M Sport package (second photo).
In this case no difference in ride height.

The i40 idrive40 with M Sport package does not get the adaptive suspension as standard so the ride height is the same. Maybe this is different in your country or maybe you have ticked the option box for adaptive suspension?

 

[Hans]

I just hope these impressions from the configurator are realistic.
In many photos that BMW used, mostly during the first formal presentation, the car seems to be a bit too high, especially at the rear...

The i4 M50 that I saw for real during a preview was even higher than the car in the picture below. The BMW genius explained that the car was still in transport mode. Hmmm, let's wait and see

 

[Hans]

what is more desirable for you

Depends a lot on where you live and the general condition of the roads. In Western Europe roads are generally pretty good. No problems whatsoever, not even with my MX-5 which has been lowered 3 cm's. So the minus 1cm of the M50 won't be a problem neither. So I like 'm low. But you might have very different considerations when living in Eastern Europe, Canada etc.


PS. Let's not forget that the M50 is a 4x4. So maybe it's supposed to be high 😳

 

[Hans]

Indeed the adaptive suspension is controlled by the ride modes. So there are 3 settings:

1. Firm suspension which will be activated by sport or sport plus mode. Sport plus is called sport boost in the i4.
2. More comfortable suspension which will be activated by eco pro or comfort mode.
3. An adaptive damper setting where the car will continuously choose between firm or more comfortable suspension depending on the circumstances of your ride, activated by the adaptive mode.

And if you will there is a fourth setting which is the manual override than can be set in eco pro individual or sport individual. Here you can manually choose between either sporty or comfy suspension.

The comfy setting can be compared to the setup of i4's with the standard suspension.
None of these settings have anything to do with ride height. That is preset in your configuration, once your order is taken into production it can not be changed.